If your home was damaged in the storm, here are tips from state insurance and business experts:

Q: What should homeowners do if their home was damaged?

A: "The first thing that you want to do is secure the property, in terms of putting a tarp over the roof or the window. Then, contact your insurance company or agent to file a claim," said Allison Love, executive director of the South Carolina Insurance News Service.

If possible, don't move anything or dispose of damaged property before the insurance adjuster has a chance to see it. It is a good idea to take pictures or videotape the damaged property, Ms. Love said.

Keep your receipts for materials used for temporary repairs so that you can be reimbursed, she added.

Maintain contact with your insurance adjuster. If your home is unlivable, call and give the company your contact number, said David Colmans, executive director of the Georgia Insurance Information Service.

Q: How should homeowners select a contractor?

A: To find quality contractors, ask your insurance company for suggestions, Mr. Colmans said. Also, consult with the Better Business Bureau to ensure the contractor has a clean record.

"This is where the potential scams come in. If you see someone who has a handwritten sign or something that's really temporary looking, I'd be suspicious of that," he said.

Companies should be able to provide proof they are bonded and insured, he explained.

"If anybody wants money up front, back off as fast as you can. That's a classic scam. They'll take your money up front, start doing a little bit of work, then they'll disappear and you'll never see them again," Mr. Colmans said.

Also, if a company is reluctant to provide an estimate, then "you're probably better off not dealing with them," he said.

Hire local contractors so that they can be contacted easily. Also, check references that are at least a year old, said Kelvin Collins, the president and CEO of the Better Business Bureau of Central Georgia and the CSRA.

Q: What are some business tips for dealing with contractors?

A: "Have a detailed contract that specifies what the company is going to do, what they're going to do and not do and the type of materials they're going to use. A vague contract is very difficult to enforce," said Mr. Collins said.

Homeowners should never sign a blank or incomplete contract. Any promises made orally should be written into the contract. Homeowners should also review all documentation before signing and inspect all work before the final payment, he said.

Also, make sure the contract includes what debris will be cleaned up after repairs. A common problem is that homeowners have to hire someone to clean up debris the contractor should have taken care of, Mr. Collins said.

"If a permit is needed, make sure the contractor gets all permits in his name and not in your name. Whoever's name is on the permit is the one responsible for meeting all of the specifications set forth by the city or county," Mr. Collins said.

Reach LaTina Emerson at (706) 823-3227 or latina.emerson@augustachronicle.com.